What was the primary economic activity in the Southern colonies?

The primary economic activity in the Southern colonies was agriculture. This was largely due to the region's warm climate and fertile land, which were well-suited for growing cash crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo. These crops were highly sought after in both domestic and international markets, leading to the establishment of large plantations that relied on the labor of enslaved Africans.

Agriculture dominated the Southern economy not only because of the favorable climate but also because the social and economic structures of these colonies were built around plantation life. This made farming not just a source of food and sustenance, but also the backbone of the economy, providing wealth and influencing the way of life in the region.

Other activities like manufacturing, trade, and fishing were present to some extent, but they did not play as significant a role in shaping the Southern colonies' economy as agriculture did. The reliance on agriculture had lasting implications on the social structure, economy, and political landscape of the Southern colonies, distinguishing them from the more industrially focused Northern colonies.